When the Berlin Wall came down in November 1989, all East Germans could claim 100DM, the equivalent of about $100 in US dollars today, from the government of West Germany, to be spent at their leisure. This Begrüßungsgeld or “welcome money,” was a long-standing practice that was now accessible to all.
TIME Magazine reported on what 10 people did with their money, including an East Berliner named Jens Müller, aka graffiti artist Tasso, who spent 10 of his 100 DM on an Edding 850 Permanent Marker.
“For me it was the first time I had seen graffiti tags, on every corner in every place,” he says, of driving with friends around Kreuzberg in West Berlin as a 23-year-old. “I was wondering, ‘How have they done this?’ And then I see it must be a pen, a marker, and so I said, ‘I want to have this marker.’” He found one in a Karstadt department store that cost 10 of his 100 DM. “That was a lot. My friends thought I was crazy.” He worked in construction following reunification, eventually becoming a freelance artist. Today his tag is recognized around the world. He has visited 32 different countries to make, exhibit and promote his work.
TIME Magazine quoting Jens Müller, aka Tasso.
After a long time only being available through grey market importers, Edding pens and markers are now finally available in the US & Canada, from the permanent markers to the drawing, coloring and decorating pens and markers. Which one is your favorite?